The Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus

CHAPTER XII.
DISTRIBUTION OF THE SPANISH FORCES IN THE INTERIORPREPARATIONS FOR A VOYAGE TO CUBA.

[ 1494.]

The increasing discontents of the motle population of Isabella and the rapid consumption of the scanty stores which
remained, were causes of great anxiety to Columbus. He was
desirous of proceeding on another voyage of discovery, but it
was indispensable, before sailing, to place the affairs of the
island in such a state as to secure tranquillity. He determined,
therefore, to send all the men that could be spared from Isabella, into the interior; with orders to visit the territories of
the different caciques, and explore the island. By this means
they would be roused and animated; they would become accustomed to the climate and to the diet of the natives, and such
a force would be displayed as to overawe the machinations of Caonabo or any other hostile cacique. In pursuance of this
plan, every healthy person, not absolutely necessary to the
concerns of the city or the care of the sick, was put under arms,
and a little array mustered, consisting of two hundred and fifty
cross-bow men, one hundred and ten arquebusiers, sixteen
horsemen, and twenty officers. The general command of the
forces was intrusted to Pedro Margarite, in whom Columbus
had great confidence as a noble Catalonian, and a knight of the
order of Santiago. Alonso de Ojeda was to conduct the army
to the fortress of St. Thomas, where he was to succeed Margarite in the command; and the latter was to proceed with the
main body of the troops on a military tour, in which he was
particularly to explore the province of Cibao, and subsequently
the other parts of the island.

Columbus wrote a long and earnest letter of instructions to Margarite, by which to govern himself in a service requiring
such great circumspection. He charged him above all things
to observe the greatest justice and discretion in respect to the
Indians, protecting them from all wrong and insult, and treating them in such a manner as to secure their confidence and
friendship. At the same time they were to be made to respect
the property of the white men, and all thefts were to be severely
punished. Whatever provisions were required from them for

Print this page

While we understand printed pages are helpful to our users, this limitation is necessary
to help protect our publishers' copyrighted material and prevent its unlawful distribution.
We are sorry for any inconvenience.